Altea’s seafront makeover will have to wait

ALTEA’S seafront long-awaited revamp has stalled.

Work on an extension to the existing promenade as far the river mouth began in January but ground to a halt some weeks ago.  So too did eliminating the “Charco,” the stagnant and often foul-smelling lagoon between the Paseo and the open sea.

At first no reasons were forthcoming but the town hall has now revealed that Cyes Infraestructuras, which won the contract to carry out the 24-month project, had requested a creditors’ meeting.  Under Spanish law, these are the first steps towards bankruptcy proceedings.

When the seafront overhaul was put out to tender, Cyes Infraestructuras submitted a €4,429,136 bid that was €3.5 million below the limit stipulated by the national government in Madrid.

All political parties on Altea council agreed that the Environment ministry should be asked to step in and ensure that the project “continues at the agreed rhythm.”

This could not have happened at a worse time, town hall sources complained.  The seafront, like the Old Quarter around the church, is one of the town’s principal tourist attractions and finishing the revamp within the stipulated 24 months was a priority.

“It is intolerable that this should have happened during the high season.  It gives an impression of neglect that we simply cannot allow,” the town hall said.